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WASHINGTON D.C. (February 6, 2008) - Much progress in the
security, local governance and economic realms has been achieved in
the Iraqi city of Narhwan over the past four months, a senior U.S.
commander posted there said today.
"We've seen significant gains at the local level in governance"
in Narhwan and its environs, Army Lt. Col. Mark Sullivan, commander
of the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery
Regiment, said during a conference call with military analysts.
Efforts to bring together city council officials, local tribal
leaders, police, and Iraqi government representatives have paid
off, Sullivan said. Now, everyone's concerns are discussed at
regular governance meetings, where joint solutions are identified
and pursued, he said.
"We really believe that these are Iraqi problems that require
Iraqi solutions," Sullivan said.
Recent anti-insurgent operations involving U.S. and Iraqi
security forces with help from local citizens have made the area
safer, Sullivan said, but he cautioned that his area of operations
remains a dangerous place. Yet, Sullivan said, he's optimistic that
security and other gains achieved in Narhwan in recent months will
be lasting.
"The local population has embraced our presence, and we believe
the extremists have been severely disrupted as a result," Sullivan
said.
Today, local citizens are "performing a vital role in protecting
the neighborhoods where they operate." Since November, citizens
groups have provided 11 tips to coalition forces that have resulted
in the discovery of 12 ammunition caches, he said.
As security continues to improve in Narhwan, a municipality of
about 100,000 people, some citizens-group members will transition
into local Iraqi security forces, Sullivan said. Other members, he
added, will join local economic enterprises.
Sullivan cited the revival of a Narhwan brick factory that now
employs about 2,500 people. Discussions between local leaders and
national government officials brought about an increased allocation
of fuel and electricity to the factory, he explained.
As a result, brick production will be greatly increased, with a
projected gain of between 4,500 and 6,000 additional jobs over the
next six weeks, Sullivan said. The added jobs "will have a great
impact, not only on the city of Narhwan," he said, but also across
the region.
Other economic programs being developed in the Narhwan area
include water, sewage and schools projects, Sullivan said. These
and other reconstruction programs are boosting the local economy,
he said.
Sullivan and his staff have identified 39 economic projects for
Narhwan and its vicinity, for which about $1.5 million in
coalition-provided funding has been spent. The Iraqi government, he
added, has provided about $2.9 million for Narhwan projects.
Sullivan's unit has performed other duties in Iraq. From March
until September, he and his artillery soldiers were stationed at
the Camp Bucca detention facility before being transferred to the
Narhwan area.
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